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Y&R N.Y. Names Goldsmith CCO

NEW YORK Former Lowe chairman and chief creative officer Gary Goldsmith is heading to Young & Rubicam to be chief creative officer of its New York headquarters, the WPP Group agency has confirmed.

Goldsmith’s primary focus will be to lead Y&R’s creative department here, and in that context, he fills the vacancy left by the September exit of New York CCO Matt Eastwood. In addition, however, he will work with North American CEO Gord McLean on regional projects and global creative director Michael Patti on global assignments, McLean said.

“He’s really going to raise the level of our game in New York,” said McLean. “That is our priority right now.”

Goldsmith, 51, is expected to start on Monday. He will report to both McLean and Patti, and will work closely with New York managing partner Mary Maroun.

“Y&R has a terrific roster of clients, a real commitment to reaching consumers in new ways, and some very talented people,” said Goldsmith in a statement. “This is a great opportunity to help define the future of one of the best brands in our business.”

Goldsmith spent nine years at Interpublic Group’s Lowe, where he began as deputy cd and rose to co-chief creative officer in 2000, sharing that title with Lee Garfinkel. When Garfinkel left in January 2001, Goldsmith became the sole creative chief.